Rainbow Shortbread Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Rainbow Shortbread Bites are buttery, tender, and dotted with colorful sprinkles for a cheerful twist. Perfect for gifting or a sweet snack, they combine classic shortbread flavor with a playful pop of color.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tsp sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Step 2: Line an 8″ x 8″ square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
3. Step 3: Beat the butter and sugar together until creamy, then add the almond or vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Step 4: Lower the mixer speed and add the flour, salt, and sprinkles. Mix until the dough is just combined. Gather it into a ball and knead a couple of times until it comes together smoothly.
5. Step 5: Press the dough evenly into the prepared square pan and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Use the parchment overhang to lift the dough out of the pan. Cut into 1/2-inch squares.
7. Step 7: Arrange the squares on the prepared baking sheets. Bake one sheet at a time for about 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. While one sheet is baking, keep the other chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Use almond extract for a nutty flavor or vanilla extract for a classic taste.
• Try different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match the season or party theme.
• Make these gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• For extra crisp edges, chill the dough longer before baking.

Storage

Store the shortbread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently in a warm oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.

What type of sprinkles works best?

Small, non-melting sprinkles work best to avoid color bleeding and maintain the appearance during baking.

Rainbow Shortbread Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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Delight in these colorful Rainbow Shortbread Bites, a buttery and tender treat bursting with vibrant sprinkles. Perfect as a festive snack or sweet gift, these easy-to-make cookies combine classic shortbread richness with a fun twist of colorful sprinkles for a delightful crunch and cheerful appearance.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes per sheet (total approx. 30 minutes)
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 shortbread bites (1/2-inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tsp sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or Silpat mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Pan: Line an 8″ x 8″ square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy lifting of the dough later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the almond or vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.
4. Add Dry Ingredients and Sprinkles: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, salt, and sprinkles into the butter mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. Then press the mixture into a ball and knead gently a couple of times to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5. Shape and Chill Dough: Evenly press the dough into the prepared square pan, smoothing the top surface. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to firm up the dough before cutting.
6. Cut Dough into Squares: Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the chilled dough out of the pan. Cut the dough into 1/2-inch squares with a sharp knife or bench scraper.
7. Arrange and Bake: Place the cut dough squares on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart. Bake one sheet at a time for approximately 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. While one sheet bakes, keep the other sheet chilled in the refrigerator.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the shortbread bites to cool completely on the baking sheets before serving or storing. Enjoy your colorful, buttery bites alongside tea or coffee!

Notes

• You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract based on your preference.
• Use colorful sprinkles to make the shortbread visually vibrant and festive.
• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• Chilling the dough before cutting helps maintain the shape and makes cutting easier.
• Monitor baking closely to prevent over-browning as oven temperatures may vary.
• Store baked shortbread bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: rainbow shortbread, shortbread bites, sprinkles cookies, colorful baking, buttery cookies, easy shortbread, festive treats